Athena overcame another sluggish start to overpower Nottingham Rockets in the East Midlands Regional League.

With only six players available, and with Sarah not feeling her best, Faye took over setting duties and put in a composed performance. Alysia played as opposite, Kristy and Sarah played as outside hitters and Kamila and Sam played through the middle.

Rockets started well but a little bit of inaccuracy by Athena with the first pass meant that they could not make their firepower count. Rockets sped into 9-3 lead before Coach Paul called a time out to help the team re-focus. Slowly, Athena began to take control of the match, slowing the first pass down and allowing Faye to find her groove. Kristy was deadly as outside hitter, winning a stream of points. As the set came to its conclusion, it was nip and tuck as the lead changed hands but Captain Sarah served the winning points to take the first set 27-25.

Athena were more assured in the second set but were never allowed to run away with it by a defiant Rockets team. Sam took the ball at 11 each and served well to help Athena gain a 5 point lead which they never looked like giving up an they won 25-18.

The performance in third set was a little more erratic with some truly standout moments when Faye and Kristy combined to devastating effect and as Kamila and Sam blocked out some dangerous attacks. Athena slowly strangled the life of out Rockets to win the third set 25-17 to seal the match.

Congratulations to the team for a strong performance and well done to Kristy for her fourth MVP award of the season.